🔗 Share this article

The mayor of Boston, Michelle Wu, suggested that the city was ready for a confrontation with President Donald Trump over his assertion that he could instruct FIFA to relocate World Cup tournament games from Gillette Stadium, situated approximately 35 kilometers southwest of the city.

Mayor Wu spoke on a local podcast recently to answer comments from the White House, which had labeled her as "radical left." Trump had threatened that he would call FIFA President Gianni Infantino if Boston did not "improve its situation."

Much of it is secured by contract so that no single person, even if they live in the White House, can undo it.

She added, "We're in a world where for drama, for control, to test limits ... repeated warnings ... are issued at people and cities who refuse to back down and submit or be obedient to a hateful agenda."

Mayor Wu further stated, "We are going to continue being who we are, and that means, unfortunately, we are going to be part of a discussion that is targeting Boston's values." Wu finished by emphasizing her commitment for the city, declaring, "Fully committed for our city."

The President's Comments and FIFA Role

Earlier this week, Infantino was seen alongside President Trump at the international summit in Egypt. The FIFA president has also been to the Oval Office and presented World Cup and club championship awards to the president as gifts.

On Tuesday, President Trump was asked about recent disturbances in a Boston neighborhood that involved a police vehicle being set on fire. He responded, "If somebody is doing a bad job, and if I feel there's danger, I would call Gianni – the head of the organization, who's great."

He continued, "I'd tell him: 'We should relocate the games' and they would do that. He wouldn't love to do it. But he would do it without hesitation." Trump also specifically targeted Wu, stating, "Boston's mayor is not good ... she's radical left, and they're dominating some areas in Boston. That's a strong claim, right?"

Past Warnings and 2026 World Cup Details

President Trump has made previous comments that he would take the same conversation with the FIFA president about relocating matches from Seattle and San Francisco, which are part of the 16 locations across North America.

The US is joint hosts the 2026 World Cup with neighboring countries. The 48-team event is scheduled to be held from 11 June to July 19 next summer.